John Swinney: 'BritCard could force Scots to declare ourselves British'

John Swinney has said the Prime Minister’s digital ID card plans could “force Scots to declare themselves British”.

The First Minister is opposed to mandatory digital ID proposals being championed by Keir Starmer.

The Prime Minister said on Thursday that the plans for a new digital ID held on people’s phones will be an “enormous opportunity” for the UK and will offer “ordinary citizens countless benefits”.

They are expected to be introduced by the UK Government by the end of the current UK parliamentary term in an attempt to curb illegal immigration.

The plans have faced criticism, with opposition parties in Westminster and Swinney quick to attack them.

“I am opposed to mandatory digital ID,” the First Minister said on X.

“People should be able to go about their daily lives without such infringements. That aside, by calling it BritCard, the Prime Minister seems to be attempting to force every Scot to declare ourselves British.”

He added: “I am a Scot.”

Scottish secretary Douglas Alexander dismissed Swinney’s claims that the scheme will be called a “BritCard”, and accused the First Minister of seeking to “play politics” over the UK Government plans.

Speaking ahead of an announcement by Starmer on Friday, Alexander said: “The Prime Minister will not be announcing a BritCard, it’s not called a BritCard, and it isn’t even a card.”

Mr Alexander went on to say the scheme being proposed is similar to that in “many other parts of the world”, such as Australia, Estonia and Denmark.

He added: “Of course, people are going to try to score political points even before the Prime Minister speaks.

UK & International

Digital ID cards: How will they work?

Under new plans, a digital ID will be mandatory for proving the right to work, but people will not be required to carry it with them or present it on demand.

“It will be required by the end of the Parliament to try to clamp down on illegal working.”

Digital ID will give people a “secure identity online as more of our lives move online”, he argued, and it will make it easier for people to “engage with public services”.

The Scottish secretary said: “How many times have any of us had to scrabble around in the house to try to find an old utility bill? Having a secure digital ID feels like the way of the future.”

Digital ID would be the authoritative proof of identity and residency status in the UK and include name, date of birth, and a photo, as well as information on nationality and residency status.